Nutritional intervention and appropriate supplementation can be crucial in the management and treatment of autism, according to Dr Sawsan Gholam Mohammed, assistant professor of clinical education at Qatar University (QU) and a researcher focusing on precision medicine, specifically micronutrition."The specific treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders has been challenging, and when looking at previous clinical trials for the treatment of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we find that nutritional intervention is frequently used as a complementary method of treatment and behaviour control," she said in a statement."Early diagnosis of nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disorders in conjunction with careful therapeutic and behavioural interventions can be a basis for improving the intellectual and behavioural abilities of individuals with autism or hyperactivity disorder."Several studies have shown that increasing the intake of specific nutrients can reduce the symptoms and diseases associated with these disorders," explained the researcher who works at QU's College of Medicine, under the QU Health umbrella.Dr Sawsan has focused her research on a wide range of current medical challenges, notably autism, cancer and diabetes. After receiving her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the Arabian Gulf University in 1997 she joined Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). She has 13 years of experience as a practicing physician in Qatar at HMC and in Sweden at the Karolinska Institute. Primarily focusing on patients requiring nervous system rehabilitation, she developed a keen interest in molecular medicine.From 2011-2014, Dr Sawsan received additional training at the University Hospital Heidelberg in Germany. She continued her research in late complications of diabetes and cancer at the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ). She pursued postgraduate studies from Heidelberg University, where she obtained her MD in 2019.It was in 2022 that she became an assistant professor of Clinical Education at QU, where her research is focused on micronutrition and neurodevelopmental deterioration and disorders, such as autism. Dr Sawsan, also passionate about applying micronutrition concepts to maternal and infant health in Qatar, has published several research papers in these fields.Her initial interest revolved around diabetes and cancer, which evolved into applying precision nutrition in the areas of neurological diseases and developmental disorders. Focusing on autism, she regarded it as one of the most common and complex neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Her decision was influenced by its importance for Qatar and its societal impact, particularly due to the higher prevalence of autism in Qatar compared to Western countries.Dr Sawsan also contributed five chapters for a pioneering book 'Personalized Food Intervention and Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder Management,' published by the renowned Springer Nature, and which won a Gourmand Award 2022 in the best health book category."Our study on autism and micronutrition is of great importance to Qatar and its health system, as it can serve as a guide for therapeutic interventions and the management and channeling of resources to care for individuals with autism," she said. "We are also exploring the impact of malnutrition on reproductive, maternal and infant health. During pregnancy, maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in shaping both maternal and baby health. We are currently looking at the effect of vitamin B12, vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin D, iron, and other micronutrients. Developing a deeper understanding of micronutrient deficiencies allows us to address the causes of deficiencies, mitigate risk, and deliver effective therapeutic interventions."Dr Sawsan emphasised that QU fosters a supportive research atmosphere for scientists and researchers. This support is manifested through crucial funding and grants for principal investigators, as well as assistance for attending and participating in international conferences.The university also extends efforts to expand the network of partners, facilitating the establishment of impactful research collaborations. This proactive approach contributes to garnering appropriate scientific coverage and, consequently, enhances the reputation and standing of QU, the statement added.
February 02, 2024 | 11:32 PM